Pines are some of the most common trees in native coniferous forests. Thanks to their admirable adaptability to climatic conditions, they are widespread throughout the northern hemisphere, even in the most uneconomical regions. Its wood is highly valued in forestry and industry. For a long time, gardeners have also enjoyed the cultivation. The numerous varieties and growth forms in which the pine occurs are decisive for private use. Below you will first learn about general characteristics that characterize each type of pine.

Pine trees can grow up to 40 meters high

General

  • German name: pine
  • Latin name: Pinus
  • Tree family: conifers (rarely also shrubs)
  • Number of species: about 111
  • reachable age: 700 years
  • Gender: monoecious

External appearance features

growth habit

  • maximum height: 40 m
  • Stem growth: monopodial (from the root to the crown with branches throughout, which differ in long and short shoots)
  • extremely stable growth
  • rapid growth

fruits and needles

  • pointed cones containing the seeds and pollen
  • Length of cones: ranges from 2-60 cm
  • Cones are green at first, then turn brown
  • only open when the air is dry
  • Seeds have small wings with which they can cover a distance of 2 km
  • Seed drop: in spring, only in the second year
  • Flowering time: in May
  • Growth of the cones: upright at first, hanging or protruding when ripe
  • Color of needles: green or blue
  • Shape of the needles: thin, of different lengths
  • Needles stay on the tree for up to 30 years
  • Needles grow in a base (two to eight depending on pine species)
  • Seed length: 2.5-50 cm
  • Seed thickness: 0.5-2.5 cm

Happen

distribution

  • on the northern hemisphere
  • in cool, humid climates
  • more rarely found in the tropics or subtropics
  • the most common conifer in German forests

soil claims

  • adapt to the ground very efficiently
  • very undemanding
  • prefers sandy soils

Common diseases and pests

  • high resistance to almost all wood-eating pests
  • nevertheless numerous diseases are known:
  • Blueness (wood discoloration)
  • Pine Bark Bladder Rust (Fungus)
  • strobe grate
  • White snow mold
  • Black snow mold

Other special features

use

  • very important for forestry
  • as construction timber (interior and exterior construction, furniture)
  • for the production of chipboard
  • as firewood
  • facade cladding
  • doors, windows, roofs
  • toy
  • in gardening and landscaping
  • in the traffic
  • for resin and pitch production (as a light source)
  • Food supplier (e.g. pine nuts)

meaning and mythology

  • particularly important in China, Japan and Korea
  • is associated with longevity and permanence (due to old age)
  • two-needled pines represent happiness in marriage

Category:

Trees